Palos Park, IL – In 2011, Applied Psychology magazine published a review of 160 different studies that found, by clear and compelling evidence, that happy people tend to live longer and healthier lives. Studies included long-term research, following people for over 40 years, and analyzing how optimistic attitudes positively impacted wellness and longevity.

Amy Boberg could have saved those researchers a whole lot of time and energy. The “101-and-a-half” year old is living proof that a positive outlook makes for a long, healthy life.

Amy is one of the oldest senior residents at Peace Village in Palos Park, waking up each morning hoping to touch someone in a positive way, to put a smile on someone’s face. “I’m not a complainer,” says Amy. “I am blessed and have always been.”

Her life began on January 24 in 1912, the fourth of seven children born to parents Henry and Elizabeth VanLente in Holland, Michigan. “There were the first three – one brother and two sisters; then I came along followed by two younger sisters and one brother. I don’t remember the older ones being at home.” She does, however, have a vivid memory of November 11, 1918. That’s the day that the Allies and Germany’s agreement (the Armistice) went into effect. “The streets were unpaved and we weren’t allowed in them; but that day, everyone was pouring into the streets, dancing and crying. My mom was crying and she had a good reason. My brother was on a ship heading for Europe and that ship turned around that day. That happiness gave her a lot to cry about.”

Amy’s upbringing was solid. “I never had a thought that something else might be better. My parents were wonderful." Her mom’s whole focus was on taking care of her family. Meal times (both at noon and evening) were filled with pleasant conversation and served as a vehicle for family members to really get to know each other. The VanLente family was active at Trinity Reformed Church in Holland, Michigan, where Amy sang in the choir.

Entertainment was home-grown, with the family around the radio and Amy with a notebook. “We sat by the radio, listening to programs and music. We would write down the words. I had a big notebook full of song lyrics.”

As time progressed, technology came into her life. “I remember the first stop-and-go lights being installed and how we used to run to watch the airplanes when we could hear them flying over the house.”

In 1929, after graduating from high school, Amy came to Chicago to help a cousin, who was a pastor’s wife, move into their new parsonage. She remained there for a while. Early in 1930, Amy met Lambert Drenthe – they were married in 1932. “Oh, we were just kids at age 20 in those days. We were just so happy with what we had; we didn’t give a thought to what we didn’t have. Lambert was employed as a printer at the Pullman Company. He started there when he was 17 and worked there until they closed shop in 1956. We were very blessed through the Depression, because Lambert always had a job.”

They paid $25 a month for a flat in Chicago and when Lambert’s hours were cut by Pullman, the landlord came to visit. “He said, ‘I heard what happened and now your rent is only $20 a month.’ He didn’t have to do that, but that’s what people did in the Depression,” recalled Amy.

She credits that era for forming significant financial attitudes in their lives. “Because of the Depression, we learned how to use our money wisely. We learned how to save. We didn’t get what we wanted; we got what we needed. We had everything we needed, and we put the rest aside.” She also saw how reactions formed the future. “When bad things happened, you could fight it and learn from it, or you could sit in a corner and give up.” Amy has never sat in a corner.

In 1941, the Drenthes purchased their first home, near 95th in Chicago’s Fernwood neighborhood. “Can you believe this? We paid just $6,900 for that house. People can’t believe it when I tell them that,” she chuckles. “The house had the front landscaping included, venetian blinds in the front and carpeting on the stairs. And it was all included in the price.”

“We never had children,” says Amy, “but I found my second family when we moved into a brand-new neighborhood. Oh, the neighbors we had there were just wonderful. My neighbor’s kids – Jay Van Dahm, George (and Mary) Van Dahm and Joan (and Dale) Essenberg – are like my own kids still to this day. Their children are like my grandchildren.”

In 1958, the Drenthes moved to Evergreen Park, where they would live for 28 years. “I had a wonderful marriage. We were very compatible – we played golf together and played cards together. My husband was my best friend.” Lambert retired in 1973.

Amy experienced a fall in 1969, which broke her hip and ended her working days. She skims over her long recuperation, preferring to emphasize that she made a full recovery and walked without assistance for many years. “It’s been 44 years since I broke my hip, and I didn’t need a cane until 2002. Now, I use my chair, since 2004, and that chair is a miracle!”

In the early 80’s, the Drenthes moved to a condo in Palos Park. “It was 1990 that I began noticing what other people didn’t notice. Lambert was just not the same. I knew we had to start looking for a place like this.” They selected Peace Village because it was close to home, attractive and had a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. “We moved in on a Wednesday and I was already on a committee on Saturday. In my years here, I’ve been on almost every committee you can be on. I love it here.”

In 1993, Lambert passed away. “We were married 61 years,” Amy reminisces. “And they really were all wonderful years. I had a wonderful marriage.”

Amy took full advantage of the social life available at Peace Village. “I don’t tell anyone else how to adjust, but I do tell them this – ‘get acquainted, get out, do things. You might get a little lost, but they’ll help you find your way’ – I don’t say much more than that. They’ll see for themselves how wonderful it is here.” With her friendly attitude and self-imposed rule against “grunting all the time”, Amy has made many friends in her years at Peace Village. “I believe people should come here earlier. Don’t wait until you’re really old. Come here and enjoy life – there is so much to do.”

She relates, “I got married again here too.” In 1997, she married Lawrence Boberg, an old friend who was also a resident at Peace Village. “It was just beautiful. We were married in the Fireside Room. There were flowers on all the tables and everyone celebrated with us in the Dining Room. It was a lovely reception.” The Bobergs were able to travel together until 2005, when Lawrence passed away.

The celebration of her 100th birthday was arranged by Mary and Joan, those “adopted” children. “They did such a lovely job. There were family members from all over the country – both my blood family and my second family. We were all together – all compatible.” Over 30 people attended the party in Mary and George’s home in Frankfort. “You see what I mean? I am just so blessed!”

Now, at 101 plus, Amy is involved in the Peace Village Choir and in daily card games after dinner. “I’m still having a good time; I’m still happy. It just takes me a little longer to get around,” she smiles. Her tidy and welcoming apartment at Peace Village, she notes, has been her home for almost a quarter century now. “I have always felt sheltered and loved. This place has given me the friendship of concerned and caring people. I am happy living in my home here at Peace Village.”

She credits her longevity to good genes, as her father lived to be 95 and she had three aunts, from both sides of the family, who lived to 100. “I am blessed,” she repeats, “I am so happy it was my legs that went instead of my head. I keep a smile on my face and a song in my heart and God keeps my heart beating. I would like everyone to feel that way.”